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Team United preps to play for a good cause

Team United takes time out from practice for a picture to promote their upcoming game against the Harlem Ambassadors. From left are Derek Garrick, Brad Boyd, Reggie Tatum Robbie Brown and Jarvis Claiborne. The games are scheduled for Tuesday in Eunice and Opelousas.(Photo: Freddie Herpin/Daily World)Buy Photo

The brief gathering was used to take a team picture and to discuss a little strategy.

"As long as they pass me the ball and I get my shots up, we're going to win," said Opelousas High Basketball coach Brad Boyd with a smile. "That's just what it is."

The show starts Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at Opelousas High School, 1014 Judson Walsh Drive. The proceeds from the event benefit St. Landry-Evangeline United Way and will be used for The Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

In addition to the game, the ambassadors will hold a school assembly at Eunice High and Port Barre High School for fourth, fifth and sixth graders on staying in school, off of drugs, making good choices and no bullying.

The assembly in Eunice is scheduled for Tuesday 9:30 a.m. and the assembly in Port Barre is set for 1 p.m.

Opelousas Mayor Reggie Tatum will also suit up for the local team after playing in last year's game.

"It was a lot of fun," he said. "We want to get more kids involved and come out to support the United Way."

OHS girls basketball coach Robbie Brown said she was happy to accept the invitation to play and be involved in the community, coming off of her first season as a coach in the area. However, she wanted to let everyone on her team know, she wants the ball.

"I'm the only female on the team, but I want the ball," she said with a laugh. "I want my shots, too."

Although there will be a competitive aspect to the contest, Boyd, Tatum and Brown admitted the game is far more important than who wins or loses.

"Anything dealing with the community and allowing the kids to come out and see these Harlem Ambassadors play is a good thing and the United Way is always involved in the community," Boyd said. "Just drawing all that together, it will be a win for the city."

Advance tickets are on sale at St. Landry – Evangeline United Way, 311 W. Vine, and Sebastien- Dupre Fine Jewelry, 822 S. Main St. in Opelousas.Advance tickets are $8 for students and $10 for adults. Tickets will be sold at the door for $10 for students and $12 for adults.For more information, contact Susan Fisher at sfisher2011@att.net or call 337-942-7815. Some of the local sponsors of the United Way are: SPICE, ALON, Krotz Springs Refinery, CABOT, and Wilson Chiropractic Center.

"When Ms. Fisher with United Way and the Mayor ask you to be a part of something you're not going to turn that down," Boyd said. "Especially it being a basketball game at the school that we coach at, it's only the right thing to do. I'm really excited about playing for sure."